MANY letters have appeared in the Echo over the years questioning the whole political make-up of councils.

Most recently there was one from Mr Atkins (Echo, August 16) over the failure of councillors to oppose closure of toilets in Parkstone.

Mr Atkins calling for such part-time councillor to be replaced by full-time commissioners.

However, there is another way. There are local authorities in the country that are run by representatives from local communities and associations. Not from national parties.

One such is Epson and Ewell in Surrey. Of 38 councillors 26 are Resident Association councillors. They then are the group that is running the council.

I think that is absolutely brilliant – true local accountability to local residents from councillors who live in and are known in local wards – not councillors nominated by national party structures with then obligations to a political party and a group leader.

In Poole where I live the nearest we get to such independent councillors is I would say with Poole People Party.

The critical point being PPP is a local organisation, not a national organisation with all the allegiances that throws up.

In the end when it comes to local elections what we need is local ‘ward manifestios’, not political party manifestos.

That I think would be a very refreshing move forward in getting some real accountability into local decision making.

The end of councillors canvassing on our doorsteps then not being seen again for another four years.

Justin Walsh Bournemouth Road, Poole